MSc and PhD Opportunities
We are ready to work with researchers who wish to contribute at graduate level to our ongoing projects in marine robotics, autonomous systems, ship control, dynamic positioning, and AI-supported sensing.
Research Partnerships
We are open to joint projects with universities, research centres, and technology organisations on autonomous marine vehicles, intelligent control systems, sensor integration, and experimental validation.
Industry Partnerships
Collaborations can be established with shipyards, maritime companies, defence industry organisations, and technology firms on prototype development, system testing, algorithm validation, and technology consultancy.
Marine Robotics Laboratory carries out research projects in marine robotics and autonomous systems that complement one another. Below is a brief overview of the laboratory's core research areas and ongoing work.
Indigenous Dynamic Positioning System (DPS)
This project aims to develop a fully indigenous Dynamic Positioning technology for use on drilling and support vessels. Conducted in collaboration with the Turkish Petroleum Offshore Technology Center (TP-OTC), the work covers sensor integration, control algorithm design, and real-time system validation.
The system has been tested on a model-scale version of the TP-OTC platform supply vessel PSV Sancar, where station-keeping performance was successfully validated. Project outputs provide the technical foundation for integration into full-scale vessels.
Autonomous Surface and Underwater Vehicle Research
Autonomous vehicle research within the laboratory encompasses navigation control, obstacle detection and avoidance, energy management, and multi-vehicle coordination. Modular test platforms are used for both pool and field trials.
These studies target the real-world validation of algorithms developed for unmanned surface vehicles (USV), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), and hybrid platforms.
Ship Hydrodynamics and Model Tank Testing
Conducted using the infrastructure of Istanbul Technical University's Ata Nutku Ship Model Test Laboratory, these studies include resistance tests and CFD validation work on various hull forms. Standard tests on reference models such as the ONR Tumblehome contribute to the development of an experimental database.
These experimental studies not only validate ship design processes but also provide input for building energy models of autonomous vehicles.
Collaboration Opportunities
The laboratory is open to industry partnerships, joint research agreements, and graduate student collaborations within the scope of its ongoing projects. For detailed information and enquiries, please visit the Contact page.